Features

8 Aug 2013

Free Trade: Untangling Asia’s Noodle Bowl

Over the past decade, trade liberalization initiatives have blossomed across Asia and the Pacific, creating a convoluted 'noodle bowl' of overlapping free trade agreements (FTAs). Here’s a by-the-numbers look at trade liberalization and economic integration in the region.
18 Jul 2013

Empowering Enterprising Women in Asia: 12 Things to Know

Women make up more than half the population of Asia. The region would earn an additional $89 billion annually if women were able to achieve their full economic potential.

16 May 2013

Full-Steam Ahead in Push for Sri Lanka's Shipping Hub

Large-scale infrastructure investment is making the Colombo Port accessible to a new generation of cargo vessels, helping the island nation realize its regional trade aspirations.
8 Nov 2012

Focus on Trade Finance

Through its Trade Finance Program (TFP), ADB encourages trade in some of the most challenging markets in Asia and the Pacific. TFP Head Steven Beck explains why the Programme, which reached a turnover of $3.5 billion in 2011, is key to the region's economic growth and jobs creation.
17 Oct 2012

Social Economy for Poor Communities

Social enterprises play a vital role in addressing social and environmental challenges in developing countries in Asia and the Pacific.

10 Oct 2012

By the Numbers: The Growing Role of Services in Asia

Strengthening labor-intensive services can help developing Asia pursue inclusive, sustainable growth. Figures from Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2012 Update’s special chapter, Services and Asia’s Future Growth, underscore the service sector’s potential for reducing poverty across the region.
5 Oct 2012

Industry and Trade: 12 Things to Know

Industrial development and trade are key tools for driving growth and reducing poverty in Asia. Here are 12 things to know about industry and trade.
6 Jul 2012

Laying Tracks to the Border

A rail connection from Afghanistan's biggest northern city to the Uzbekistan border offers a chance to reestablish the war-torn nation as a regional trade hub
5 May 2012

Fast Facts: Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean

Trade between Asia and Latin America has grown tremendously in the past decade, reaching an estimated $442 billion in 2011.

25 Apr 2012

The New Silk Road: 12 Things to Know

The thriving east-west trade that once prospered along the famed Silk Road is slowly being restored to its former glory through transport and trade links being rolled out under the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation program. Here are 12 facts and figures on the New Silk Road.